Last Updated on 05/18/2026 by Chris Gampat
With the announcement of tariffs, many American photographers were forced to pay extra when buying a new camera or its accessories. While the tariffs are gone, little has changed to relax the MSRP for newer models. As the situation appears to be stressful, it appears that Nikon is going to hike prices of some of the camera and lens models all over again. Here’s what it means.
According to Nikon Japan’s official report, the company is revising the prices of some of its cameras and lenses. In a statement, Nikon Japan has said the following:
Thank you very much for your continued use of Nikon products.
From Monday, June 1, 2026, we will revise the shipping prices of Nikon Z Series mirrorless cameras (4 items), binoculars (2 items), loupes (5 items), and binoculars accessories (1 item).In an environment where raw material costs, manufacturing, and logistics costs have been soaring in recent years, we have been working to reduce costs by promoting efficiency and rationalization, but we have decided to implement price revisions because we are unable to absorb cost increases in the medium to long term through corporate efforts alone.
As per the report, the camera that will face the brunt is Nikon’s Z50 II, one of the most popular offerings from the company. When comparing it to the current price of 1,45,200 yen, one sees a hike of 14,700 yen, or about 10%. This is quite similar to the rise in price when the tariffs were announced.
The Z50 II has been popular amongst many young and hybrid photographers and users. The camera houses an EXPEED 7 image processor, 20.9 MP sensor, Dedicated Picture Control button, pre-release capture and more. Despite being an APS-C, it has what most younger photographers need. With the camera now becoming slightly expensive, it remains to be seen how it will affect its popularity.
As for Nikon USA, there is no word about the same price reflection that will be seen here. Last year, the tariffs resulted in a hike in lens prices, but not for cameras. The Z50 II is priced at $1000 on the USA website, and if the Japan hike were to be reflected in the States, which means it would be around $1100.
Either way, a price hike is a concern, whether it is in Japan or the USA. If you also think of the financial difficulties at Nikon (and their losses), it further explains how the company is finding ways to cut costs. Until any further notice, American photographers will have to wait and see.